V
PUMP
The Samford Progress Association’s free community newspaper printed continuously since 1977.
The ILLAGE
@TheVillagePumpSamford
“Your Community Newspaper, owned by the Samford Community and produced for the benefit of the Samford Community.” 09 AUGUST 2024
P: 0477 663 696 E: editor@villagepump.org.au NEXT DEADLINE THURSDAY 15/08/2024
40 YEARS OF RECORDING OUR HISTORY On a beautiful winter morning on Thursday 1 August, the latest Samford Reminiscences Vol 7 was launched at a celebration of the Samford District Historical Museum’s 40th Birthday. The Museum is a testament to the dedication, passion and community spirit of Samford and its surrounding districts and this event was attended by many of the wonderful volunteers who have tirelessly recorded and treasured our local history. Attendees were welcomed to the event by President Mike Hannon, before introducing one of the original and Life Members, Ray Jones, to speak about the Museum’s origins. “The seeds of the Samford Museum were sown in 1969 during the planning of the Captain Cook Bi-Centenary celebrations. Enthusiastic residents like Bonnie Ware and my late wife Sue and I, initiated the idea of preserving local history. (A meeting in Petrie led to the formation of the Pine Rivers Historical Society with Ken Gold as Chairman.) The success of the Bushman’s Carnival in 1970 further fuelled public interest and enthusiasm for celebrating our heritage,” he said. By April 1971, the idea of forming a sub-committee specifically for the Samford area had emerged. This group, comprised of descendants of original settlers and long-time residents with Ray Jones as Chairman, brought a wealth of historical knowledge and a
deep commitment to preserving Samford’s stories. “The official journey towards establishing a Museum began in 1977 with the launch of The Village Pump. Profits from advertising were earmarked for the Museum. By July 1980, a dedicated committee was formed as a subcommittee of the Samford & Districts Progress & Protection Association (SDPPA). This committee, with Mrs Elva Diehm at the helm, worked tirelessly to locate a suitable site and building for the Museum, ultimately securing 48perches or 1214 sqm of parkland
in Station Street, through negotiations with the Queensland Lands Department and Pine Rivers Shire Council.” In addition to the Council’s contribution of $10,000 to assist in the Museum’s establishment, there were many fundraising activities which fostered community spirit as well as helping to raise funds. A “Back to Samford Day” was held in 1984 where the stories of past residents were gathered which launched what has become the first volume of Samford Reminiscences. This event was marked by reunions, and a street procession. The official handover of the headmaster’s residence from Albany Creek State School, which became the museum’s first building, took place on 8th December 1984.Work on this building began in 1985, transforming it into a suitable space for displaying our history. Samford Rotary, local tradesmen, Museum members and residents were instrumental in creating the Museum, which was officially incorporated on February 28, 1985, and opened on May 10, 1986, with Dr. Alan Bartholomai, Director of the Queensland Museum, officiating. Continued on Page 2 Pictured: Cutting the birthday cake donated by The Famous Samford Patisserie (L-R): Past President Geoff Harris, Life member Margaret Hickey and current President Mike Hannon.